Bringing the natural beauty of the desert to discriminating clients through her art, Dyana Hesson gathers inspiration from a variety of sources. Each painting is a work of love and, like the desert, the unique elegance of each piece reveals itself during the weeks and months during which it is created.

Light pours in through the windows of Sam Pratt’s Paradise Valley home studio, illuminating abstract contemporary paintings on their canvases, the rustic flagstone floors and curated collections of things that inspire her: sketches from friends, a scrap of fabric, an artfully-arranged display of silver shoes and sculptures created by her son, who is a metal artist in Sedona.

February 10, our community will have another opportunity to lend a hand. An off-Broadway showing of “Late Nite Catechism” will be held in the ballroom at Anthem Golf and Country Club’s Ironwood Clubhouse to benefit Austin Cuaderno, a 24-year-old ASU senior pursuing his degree in health sciences.

Michael P. Johnson has presence. It’s not the fact that his 6-foot, 4-inch frame makes him tower over most of his friends or his distinct mane of long white hair that makes him stand out in a room; Johnson has a distinctive energy about him that isn’t seen so much as it is felt.

Ask any tourist what brought them to Arizona, and you’ll likely hear something about the more obvious attractions: the Grand Canyon, the weather, and spring training et al. Anyone living in the desert knows, though, that it’s the unassuming things that make Arizona special.

The towns of Cave Creek and Carefree have come up with a great solution for making their unique contributions of food, shopping and fun accessible to visitors and locals alike. Their latest effort, the Foothills Trolley, is a free way to traverse some of the towns’ most popular spots and scenic views, and it’s a nod to Phoenix history to boot.

When that craving hits for something chocolate-y, whip up these guilt-free skillets in a matter of minutes to satisfy that sweet tooth. I love this recipe because it is gluten- and refined sugar-free, which makes it easier to keep your resolutions of eating healthy for the new year!